We want to give small businesses a chance to promote themselves where it has not been cost effective before.

For only $25 you can have your color business card in the Nicaraguan Post.

This is great opportunity for people in the service industry, such as auto repair, computer repair, dentists, doctors, construction, landscaping, massage therapist, web design, attorney’s and many other small businesses.

The demand in the English language community for reliable local services is very high.

We can design a card for you that will give your ad the maximum impact.

Call 955-0441 for more information or email me at nicaraguanpost@gmail.comFull Story">Full Story" alt="" width="300" height="173" />

Citibank is up and running in Nicaragua.

Citigroup Inc. announced in a statement Monday that it has begun operations after buying Nicaragua’s Grupo Financiero Uno.

Citibank also recently opened branches in El Salvador and Honduras after acquiring local banks there.

Based in New York, Citigroup has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries.

Full Story">Full Story" alt="" width="300" height="266" />Full Story">Full Story" alt="" width="300" height="266" />Full Story">Full Story" alt="" width="300" height="225" />

Full Story">Full Story" alt="" width="300" height="225" />Full Story">Full Story" alt="" width="300" height="225" />

By heather Greenwood Davis

Managua, Nicaragua–The beach butlers haven’t arrived yet. And the soldiers haven’t left.
But tourists who flip past this small Central American country in travel brochures fearing for their safety should take a second look.

Full Story

Full Story">Full Story" alt="" width="300" height="221" />
By Shauna Rusnak

Donn Wilson and Juan Manuel Caldera May met on a flight to Nicaragua back in 2003. Their exchange of ideas that day manifested in to what is now the Nica Dev Fund, which hosts the Nica Dev Reserve and two environmentally sound property developments that border on the Reserve - Las Fincas de Escarnequita (Las Fincas) and The Haciendas at Las Fincas. Both Wilson and May now live in Nicaragua and are committed to “positive development for Nicaragua and to leave this world in a better state than which we entered.”

Located 15 minutes south of famed San Juan del Sur on Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast, the Las Fincas developments – along with the bordering Nica Dev Reserve – are situated 30 mins from the Costa Rican border. Nearby beaches include the Escamequita River and Playa El Yanqui, featuring world-class surf. Currently selling 3-5 acre parcels – visit the website www.nicadev.com for very detailed lot descriptions, photos and GPS maps - with magnificent views, Las Fincas boasts the lowest priced ocean view properties in the area based on cost per square foot. Importantly, the developments are environmentally sound, eco-friendly and socially responsible…for real.

The Las Fincas team is committed to creating developments that keep nature’s fragility and environmental impacts in mind, with an aim to minimize the ecological footprint of each development. Included with the purchase of a parcel of land is a basic renewable energy solar-power system and wind-generated well water that is bacteria free and drinkable. Low-impact development is also embraced by maintaining a policy of only single story buildings, no sub-division of lots and no minimum building requirements.

The bordering Nica Dev Reserve is a non-profit operation consisting of 450 acres of pristine private reserve. The ecological sanctuary can be used as an education tool and explored preferably with a qualified guide. Advocating preservation, protection, rejuvenation and education, the Nica Dev Reserve is a “living tribute to the majesty of Nicaragua and the critically endangered tropical dry forest ecosystem of western Central America.” Systematically and conscientiously planting over 75 000 precious wood trees already, the Reserve is already poised to be a great source of pride for all near-by residents.

Las Fincas developments are governed by the Land Owners Association, which ensures that any changes have to be voted on by all owners. To enable a fee-simple purchase, all closing, registration and legal fees are paid by the seller, rather than you. There are no lease or rental contracts involved – ownership is legally registered with the Catastral. Insured by a master policy from First American Title Insurance Co. For security regarding clean titles, the Las Fincas team will help you negotiate the process to secure your own title insurance once the master policy is dismembered. There is a $500 annual fee toward maintenance and security. In addition to the annual fees, the team asks for an equal voluntary contribution to the Nica Dev Fund.

The Nica Dev Fund aims to better the quality of life for Nicaraguans in communities neighboring the reserve and developments. This is achieved through support, capacity development and promoting community participation in each project. From encouraging visitors and residents to donate no-longer used goods, to building roads and classrooms, the fund serves and enables the local population to further their own goals. Managed by a Board of Directors – with 100% of the fund being directed toward local projects (no administrators or agencies) – the non-profit operation discusses their activities and accept donations through their website (www.nicadev.com). Donations are invested directly into the immediate communities of Escamequita, Las Parcelas and San Juan del Sur, as those at Nica Dev are “serious about giving back to the local community, not just using the words for marketing purposes.”

There are many property developments to choose from when investing in Nicaragua. The demonstrated confluence of environmental, ecological and social awareness integrated into the planning and development of Las Fincas – through Nica Dev Fund, Nica Dev Reserve and the developments themselves – stand apart from most others. I didn’t say it first, but I will steal it from the Las Fincas site… “Regardless of how you choose to invest in Nicaragua, please try to do so with a conscience.”

In an effort to get travelers off the beaten path and support destinations in developing countries, a group called Ethical Traveler has named the top 10 countries that tourists can feel good about visiting.
The organization said in a statement that many countries “are making noble attempts to preserve their natural assets, create a user-friendly infrastructure, and build an economy where their citizens share the benefits of tourist revenue. By bringing our commerce to such places we encourage their efforts, and inspire neighboring countries to support these values as well.”
To create the “10 best ethical destinations” list, Ethical Traveler looked at environmental protection, social welfare and human rights in the world’s developing nations. The honorees on the Ethical Traveler’s list, in alphabetical order, are Argentina, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Estonia, Namibia, Nicaragua, and South Africa.
The organization used various resources to make the determinations, including data collected by the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy and Columbia University’s Center for International Earth Science Information Network; progress made by countries in reducing infant mortality rates as measured by UNICEF; and reports on civil liberties and human rights from sources like Amnesty International and Freedom House.

Full Story">Full Story" alt="" width="300" height="224" /> Retiring young takes on a whole new meaning in Nicaragua where Decree No. 628 recognizes the country’s retirement age at 45 – a fact that has attracted an influx of Americans, Canadians and Europeans. Not to mention that MSNBC calls it “The World’s Best Kept Retirement Secret,” and U.S. News & World Report deemed the country as one of the top 10 retirement destinations in the world.
Adding to the appeal of retiring in Nicaragua are an array of significant tax incentives for anyone who qualifies for retiree status by demonstrating a monthly income of at least $400 (U.S.) and being at least 45. The aperwork is minimal, and once qualified, an individual is entitled to:
• Tax exemption on any out-of-country earnings
• Duty free import of up to $10,000 worth of household goods
• Duty free import of one car for personal use, which can be sold after five years exempt from sales tax.
• Import an additional vehicle every five years under same exemptions
If you’re not ready to retire, Nicaragua also offers tax incentives for businesses. If you invest in the “tourism industry” (which is broadly defined), you can qualify for the following:
• Tax breaks of up to 100% on all supplies
• No income tax for up to 10 years
• No real estate tax for up to 10 years
All things considered, Nicaragua is making it easier to live and work, and enjoy a tropical lifestyle.

This weeks show will be webcasted “Live” from Granada, Nicaragua on Friday August 1st at 5.00pm.

www.nicapm.com

Full Story">Full Story" alt="" width="173" height="130" />

Full Story">Full Story" alt="" width="223" height="300" />

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua (Full Story">PRWEB) July 21, 2008 — Balcones de Majagual is now offering off-grid homes at its uniquely designed eco-development project on Nicaragua’s lush Pacific Coast. This highly anticipated oceanfront project is located near San Juan Del Sur, just 30 miles from Costa Rica, and within walking distance of Maderas Beach, a world-class surf break.

Balcones was designed by the architects of the renowned Morgan’s Rock Ecolodge, one of Latin America’s most celebrated luxury, sustainable boutique hotels. Located near Morgan’s Rock and similar in concept, Balcones offers residents eco-friendly architecture within a sustainable environment surrounded by rich and diverse flora and fauna and three Pacific beaches. Balcones now offers completely off the grid home design in a cutting edge green community. Two off the grid homes are immediately available and all existing homes can now be adapted to off the grid living.

“Our first commitment has always been to the environment, particularly the tropical forest which is special to our region,” says Balcones architect Matthew Falkiner “At Balcones, our plan was to preserve and restore this special resource, to allow use without damage. We are fortunate to have both wind and solar working together with designs that have evolved over several years. Off the grid was the obvious next step.”

This 256-acre, oceanfront community features complete off grid living using solar and wind power. To eliminate the need for electricity, the project incorporates unique building materials and relies upon innovative designs that harness local winds and the natural forest canopy. Balcones is uniquely situated in an area with abundant solar and wind energy. This area of the southern Pacific coast enjoys approximately 300 days of sunshine and a prevailing easterly wind from Lake Nicaragua, Latin America’s largest lake. The prevailing easterly wind is also the reason why surfers from around the world flock to the local beaches.

Off-grid homes feature ocean views, 2000 sq. ft interiors and 1000 sq. ft exteriors, are fully furnished and come with Madera stone countertops, bamboo ceilings, hand crafted indoor/outdoor lighting, wireless Internet, full size refrigerators, ovens, stovetops, and hot water. Ocean view prices start at $260,000 with full furniture package.

Other features include:

-Beautiful vistas of the Pacific Ocean surround the Balcones off the grid homes and home sites, with shared pools and a private forested setting. Nestled in lush tropical hills, these homes are designed to stay cool with consistent breezes, large patios and sliding walls to regulate the airflow.

-Three-bedroom, four-bath green roof designs are available for hillsides overlooking the Pacific. Designs include planted green roofs, rainwater retention systems, solar and wind energy options, low consumption appliances and passive cooling among other features. Green roof designs include large outdoor living space, private splash pools, a large shared pool and clubhouse, storage room, laundry room and wireless Internet. Prices start at $450,000.

-Ocean view lots designed for custom building. Lots range from one hectare (Mariposa View) to one acre (Beach View) and offer great privacy, forested settings and easy beach access. Three magnificent Pacific beaches are within easy walking distance. You can carry your surfboard with you.

-Five-acre organic garden and garden center opened June 1, 2008 with local fruits, vegetables, and tropical plants farmed employing permaculture principles. Homeowners are entitled to use garden and garden facilities.

For a full listing of Balcones’ services, amenities and prices, visit balconesdemajagual.com or call 1-323-908-6730.

About Balcones de Majagual:

Balcones de Majagual is an eco-development located on more than 265 acres of rolling hills and tropical forest just two hours from the Managua Airport, fifteen minutes from the beach town of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua and within walking distance of Playa Maderas. Balcones offers seclusion and privacy amidst an exotic landscape characterized by tropical forests, monkeys, sea turtles, iguanas, pristine beaches, abundant flora and fauna and unforgettable sunsets. Within walking distance, residents can enjoy year-round, world-class surfing, fishing, kayaking, hiking and exploring the area’s incredible surroundings.